F-1 and J-1 Student Transfer Procedures

The student transfer process is initiated by the school you are currently attending and is completed through the SEVIS system. It is your responsibility to notify the current institution of your intention to transfer to another school. You must notify them BEFORE the end of the last semester of attendance, if possible, but no later than 60 days following completion of your degree program or period of authorized Optional Practical Training.

If you are coming to UMMS: Complete the International Student Transfer-In Form. This form must be signed by a Primary/Designated School Official or Alternate/Responsible Officer(international student advisor) at your current institution and sent to Immigration Services Office as part of the process to receive your new Form I-20/DS-2019 from UMMS.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer Procedures

The J-1 transfer process is initiated by the school you are currently attending and is completed through the SEVIS system. It is your responsibility to notify the current institution of your intention to transfer to another program.

If you are coming to UMMS: Complete the Request to Transfer J-1 Sponsorship to UMMS. The form must be completed and signed by the designated official from the International Office at your current J program and returned to Immigration Services. In addition, all standard J-1 intake forms are required.

H-1B Temporary Workers

If you are coming to UMMS: Immigration Services can typically submit an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change your employer to UMMS. Immigration Services assists the hiring department in determining whether or not a specific position is eligible for H-1 sponsorship. If H-1B sponsorship is considered appropriate, the department would need to submit the H intake forms and all supporting documentation to Immigration Services. If your UMMS H application is considered “portable”, you will be eligible to start your UMMS appointment once USCIS confirms receipt of the application or the requested start date, whichever comes later.

If you are leaving UMMS: Immigration Services cannot provide guidance or assistance on change from UMMS to another employer. We recommend that you speak with your prospective employer for guidance.

Other (TN, O-1, E-3)

If you are in the U.S. in either TN, O-1 or E-3 status, you are not considered employable at UMMS until you are approved by USCIS to begin employment here. Immigration Services will assist the department in determining visa eligibility and will file any related paperwork where appropriate. Please see our information about TN, O-1 and E-3 status for more general information and eligibility requirements.